Florida — NBA Icon, LeBron James is arguably the greatest player in league history. Meanwhile, rookie sensation, John Crimber has the potential to become The G.O.A.T in PBR. Both athletes display undeniable skill and abilities while excelling in their respective sports. But it’s their family circumstances that create a unique symmetry between the two stars.
The Los Angeles Lakers' decision to draft Bronny James, son of LeBron James, with the 55th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has become one of the most polarizing topics in all of sports. The criticism was bold and frequent. Critics contend Bronny was drafted because of who is father is as opposed to his talent level.
There's a father and son duo in the PBR who can identify with LeBron and Bronny's nepotism criticism.
With the No. 1 pick in the 2024 PBR Draft, The Florida Freedom drafted John Crimber. John's dad happens to be Paulo Crimber - The Freedom's head coach.
"My dad calls me, and he's like 'hey we got first pick,' " John said. "I was like 'here we go,' I guess I'm part of your team then. Hopefully you want me."
Florida's decision to select John No. 1 overall was a slam dunk.
Crimber's 2024 rookie season was one to remember on the elite Unleash The Beast, falling just short of the 2024 PBR World Championship in his quest to become the youngest gold buckle winner in history. The 18-year-old generational talent won a premier series event, plus five runner-up finishes during the regular season. He said he appreciates the compliments and comparisons to the basketball great, but can still hear the criticism.
"When people compare me to LeBron James, it's pretty cool," John said. "This is the first time in the history of PBR that they've had a father and son duo in a PBR team. The other day I also saw LeBron James and his son are on the same basketball team. Seen a lot of haters on the comments in his deal too, saying how his dad or whatever picked him just because it's his son, but I think we're kinda on the same page. We're all really good and they just don't like seeing young guys being winners."
John is considered a generational talent like LeBron - but he'd rather be compared to his head coach and dad.
Paulo Crimber is a PBR Hall of Famer and a 10-time World Finals qualifier. As great of a bull rider as Paulo was, he feels his son will be greater.
"I think he was born to ride bulls," Paulo said. "He loves it so much, more than I did. He was more dedicated than I was. It's amazing. I think the bloodline really works. To me, John is the best I've ever seen. It's coming from a father but that's what everybody else says too."
Instead of focusing on claims of nepotism, both John and Paulo are enjoying their time as father and son - while living out their life-long dreams of bull riding.
"Just having him on the team today, it's amazing," Paulo said. "I think it's going to be another new experience but it's not going to be so hard because I've been coaching him his whole life."
"Everything worked out the way it was supposed to," John said. "And here we are now."
Desmond Purnell
